North Korea launches another five missiles

North Korea launched five short-range missiles into the sea, targeting the east coast, according to South Korean Military. This comes during a period of heightened tension between North Korea, South Korea and many other western nations who see North Korea as both volatile as well as hostile towards other nations.

The missile, which is still unidentified, was launched from just south of the city of Hamhung and was, projected about 200km before landing in the ocean according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

This incident marks a long line of military “threats” issued by North Korea which unsurprisingly enough, often coincides with the resurgence of famine in North Korea. This has been seen by many as North Korea trying to gain leverage internationally despite the deplorable conditions in which its citizens perpetually live.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a statement last week that once again threatened the international community, claiming that North Korea would soon begin testing a new style of warhead and ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This directly violates various UN resolutions that have the support of North Korea’s primary ally, China.

North Korea testing its short-range missile capabilities in 2009 on the east coast / tuner

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, China is “deeply concerned” about North Korea’s continued acquisition and testing of nuclear technology.

“We hope North Korea does not do anything to contravene UN Security Council resolutions. We also hope all sides can remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid doing anything to exacerbate confrontation or tensions,” she commented in a press release.

On March 18, North Korea fired two mid-range missiles into the ocean, an act that has been interpreted by many as North Korea openly defying new UN sanctions that had put into place in response to nuclear tests conducted by North Korea.

“North Korea should refrain from all provocative actions, including missile launches, which are in clear violation of UN resolutions,” stated Sung Kim, the U.S. special envoy for North Korea in Seoul when asked about Monday’s questionable detonation.

With North Korea’s continued protest regarding the various joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korean militaries, coupled with North Korea’s ongoing threats of pre-emptive nuclear strikes against both Washington and Seoul, it would seem that peace between peace South and North Korea may be another 63 years away.